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The School District of Lee County's new superintendent may come fully aboard sooner than expected.
Conversations have begun with current Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage and incoming Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier to change their contract terms to have Bernier begin sooner than May 15.
With Dr. Christopher Bernier now physically present in Lee County, Board member Chris Patricca asked the board if they would want to push his start day forward to April 15.
To make that happen, Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said they would have to amend three contracts --Savage's and Bernier’s contracts as the superintendent and consultant.
"I am willing to change his start date, if you are willing to engage in discussion with Dr. Savage and Dr. Bernier," Patricca said, adding that they would have to decrease Savage's 30-day notice period to terminate his tenure sooner. "We would find some efficiency by not paying him (Bernier) as a consultant by bringing him in and doing the job he is supposed to do."
Questions were also raised about where Savage, who essentially filled the role of an interium while the board sought a permanent hire, will be moved once Bernier comes on board.
"I am concerned over that we do have a contract in place," Board member Melisa Giovannelli said, adding that there should not be a message sent out that the board can resend and reamend contracts that they have in place."
Dupuy-Bruno said Savage has a position for a year that is within the same pay grade prior to him becoming the superintendent. There also is a clause in his contract for a 30-day notice in terms of when his contract can be terminated.
In addition, Bernier has negotiated certain time periods within his contract.
"The board needs to give me direction of whether or not to approach these parties," Dupuy-Bruno said.
There was a consensus to have Dupuy-Bruno engage in a conversation with each to see if they are willing to amend their contracts to bump up the transition timetable.
Dupuy-Bruno said after talking with both individuals there may be a possibility, however they still have to talk a little bit more.
"Whatever is decided will include some type of financial consideration on both parties' part," she said. "I will explain that as we continue on with negotiations."